A guy’s dress shoes are the most visible indicator of his style. Great shoes complete a well-coordinated outfit, making the wearer look polished and sophisticated.
Mens shoes formal should fit snugly without being tight. Suppose they are too close; try wearing them or stretching the leather to encourage a bit of give.
Oxfords
Oxfords are the go-to shoes for men who want a dressy shoe that can be worn with most formal attire. They are also comfortable, and they look great with trousers or jeans. Initially, these shoes were designed for college students who wanted to break away from the formal boots of the time. They have closed lacing that makes them more formal and sleek than derbies. The shoelace eyelets are added under the front part of the shoes called the vamp.
While black Oxfords are classic, there are many different colours that you can choose from to suit your outfit. Tan, cognac, burgundy, and navy are good choices for your wardrobe. You can even wear a pair of Oxfords in bright pink or green to make a statement. However, avoiding shiny Oxfords in your closet is best, as they can be too flashy for work or social wear.
The first pair of Oxfords every man should own is a black cap toe style without any broguing. This option is suitable for most funerals, weddings, and black-tie events. They can even be worn with a tuxedo for a more formal look.
You can opt for an Oxford shoe in dark brown leather for a more casual look with no broguing. These are the most versatile Oxford shoes and can be worn with various outfits. These shoes can be worn with jeans or khakis, and you can add a blazer on top to complete the company.
You can also try a burgundy or oxblood oxford with a navy blue flannel suit for an outfit perfect for any formal event. This is a good choice for black-tie events or special occasions where you want to look your best.
Try an oxford with a medallion or other broguing if you want a unique style. This is a fashionable touch that gives your shoes a little more personality. You can even get a pair of oxfords with a floral pattern to add interest to your outfit.
Monk Straps
The monk strap has become a staple for many modern mens shoes formal, thanks to their versatility and sophisticated look. Whether wearing Japanese indigo denim or a wool suit, a pair of monk straps will complement your outfit. Initially worn by monks in Europe, these dress shoes are halfway between an Oxford and a loafer – they have laces but are easy to slip on like a loafer, with one or two buckled straps across the top of the shoe. A single monk strap is more traditional, but a double monk strap is becoming increasingly popular due to its versatility.
They look great with jeans as a casual ensemble, especially when you cuff them several times to show some ankle. You can also wear them with chinos or corduroy trousers. For a more formal outfit, you can also try wearing them with a suit, although it is recommended that you only do this if the case is a solid colour, as patterned suits are not suited for monk straps.
An excellent way to add some flair to your monk straps is to have a brushed metal buckle rather than a shiny one, which will match more of your accessories. This can include your belt buckle, cufflinks, watch, and even some jewellery you wear, such as rings or a chain necklace. A brushed metal buckle will also have more of an antique appearance, which is another way to give your outfit a more polished and dapper look.
Another thing to remember when buying a pair of monk straps is that they can be expensive, so it’s best to go with a high-quality team from a well-known brand. You’ll also want to ensure that your shoes are Goodyear welted, lasting longer and maintaining their shape. If you’re on a budget, you can also find great-looking monk straps at online heavyweight ASOS.
Any man looking to improve his style can wear a monk strap, from a Pitti peacock trying to impress a lady in the crowd to a working-class guy wearing a dark suit for a business meeting. They are also perfect for those who don’t want to wear heels but would still like to look smart and stylish.
Brogued Oxfords
The brogue is one of the most iconic dress shoe styles. Its defining feature is its punching or decorative perforations in the leather upper. Technically, an Oxford or derby with brogue detailing can still be classified as an Oxford so long as it maintains it’s defining closed lace design. But a brogue doesn’t have to be an Oxford to be an excellent choice for mens shoes formal wear. This style can be paired with wool pants, chinos and button-fronts, making it the perfect dress shoe for casual business environments and smart-casual wear such as a simple lunch or a party.